Applicator nozzle for applying dental active substance in oral cavity of patient and active substance applicator having such applicator nozzle

Abstract

According to the invention, an application nozzle (16, 16 ') for applying a dental active substance in the oral cavity of a patient comprises a nozzle body (22) which extends longitudinally flat from a connection region (36) to a free treatment end (38), the cross-section of which tapers towards the treatment end (38), and in which at least two media channels (34) which extend independently from the connection region (36) to the free treatment end are integrated.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an application nozzle for applying dental active substances in a patient's oral cavity. It also relates to an active substance applicator with such an application nozzle.

[0002] In various situations during dental treatment or pre-treatment or post-treatment care, it is necessary to accurately and precisely place dental agents (such as rinsing agents, disinfectants, drugs, or the like) into the patient's mouth. This can involve dental care measures or treatment measures, for example, as part of pre-treatment or post-treatment care, or as part of periodontal treatment. Generally speaking, it is desired to provide a simple application tool to facilitate the precise application of products into the patient's mouth. Given that in addition to treatment measures, preventive or care measures should also be achieved, the component for actual application into the patient's mouth, namely the so-called application nozzle, should be particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture for such application tools, and thus also suitable for mass production. In addition, such an application system should also be easy to use and reliable for users without medical training, especially in the case of self-treatment, for example, being as simple as a toothbrush in terms of simplicity.

[0003] Furthermore, especially in the field of dental care or pre- or post-periodontal disease care, it is desired to be able to produce a particularly strong rinsing effect in particularly affected areas (such as periodontal pockets), especially for the efficient removal of food residues or impurities (such as biofilm or its excretions), so as to keep the corresponding bacterial or pathogen infections at a particularly low level.

[0004] The present invention is now based on the task of providing an application nozzle for applying dental active ingredients in a patient's oral cavity, which takes these aspects into account. In addition, an active substance applicator particularly suitable for personal use is also specified.

[0005] Regarding the application nozzle, according to the present invention, this task is solved by a nozzle body in which at least two medium channels are integrated that extend independently of each other from a connection area to a free treatment end.

[0006] In an embodiment considered to have independent creativity, the medium channels each lead to an application opening on the outlet side. In another embodiment of the application nozzle considered to have independent creativity, according to the present invention, this task is solved by a nozzle body in which at least two medium channels are integrated that extend independently of each other from a connection area to a mixing point and converge at the mixing point, and the mixing point is connected to an application opening provided at the free treatment end through another medium channel on the outlet side.

[0007] In particular, the mixing point and / or the additional medium channel leading to the application opening are also integrated into the nozzle body.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Further and / or alternative advantageous embodiments of the invention, as well as further embodiments considered to be of independent inventive merit, also result from the description of the figures.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, therefore, the application nozzle is designed to provide two (or more) supply channels which are kept separate from one another on the medium side and through which different active ingredients can be applied in a common spatial region near the free treatment end without mixing and independently of one another. The invention is based on the consideration that such a design allows not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the reaction between two active ingredients to be used in a targeted manner at a local position in the oral cavity (e.g. in the periodontal pocket). This means that not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the reaction process between them and any reaction products released during this process can be used for therapeutic purposes and to achieve the intended goals.

[0010] For example, according to one aspect of the invention, the active substances or components can be brought together directly at the application site, where they react with one another to form bubbles, and the resulting bubbles can be used to expel and carry away impurities, food residues, etc. Thus, this concept is applicable to a dental care and cleaning program, for example, in which the periodontal pocket is also treated and cleaned. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient or component can be a bicarbonate, preferably sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, on the one hand, and an acid, preferably a carboxylic acid (such as citric acid or lactic acid), on the other hand. They are then applied together and come into contact with one another at the application site and react to form bubbles (forming CO 2 2). This effect is particularly beneficial for cleaning or rinsing purposes.

[0011] In order to be able to utilize the reaction effect between two or more active substances or components (as envisaged according to one aspect of the invention) particularly reliably and precisely in a selected application area (e.g. the periodontal pocket), advantageously, the outlets or application openings assigned to the two medium channels are as close to one another as possible, such that the intended mixing of the components occurs reliably and accurately in the spatial region selected by the user by positioning the treatment tip. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, the application openings assigned to the two medium channels are at least 0.01 mm and at most 10 mm apart from one another, preferably at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment at most 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0012] According to an alternative aspect of the present invention, which is considered inventive per se, two (or more) feed channels are provided by means of a spreading nozzle, which are kept separate from each other on the medium side, through which different active ingredients can be distributed separately from each other without mixing into a common spatial region, namely a mixing point integrated in the nozzle body. This allows the active ingredients to be mixed in a controlled manner and under adjustable boundary conditions. This allows the effects induced by mixing, such as the reaction between the active ingredients, to be utilized in a targeted manner. In particular, a reaction can be specifically induced, which starts from the initially liquid active ingredients and is accompanied by the formation of gas and a corresponding significant increase in pressure. For example, according to one aspect of the present invention, the active ingredients can be, on the one hand, bicarbonates, preferably potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate or calcium bicarbonate, particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, and on the other hand, acids / carboxylic acids (such as malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each in aqueous solution and in a concentration suitable for the intended treatment. Then they are sent together to the mixing point, where they come into contact with each other and react to form bubbles (forming CO 2 ). Due to this bubble formation reaction, a very high pressure can be generated at the mixing point without external active influence, so that the medium flows out of the mixing point at a relatively high pressure and thus flows out of the spreading opening of the nozzle body as a directional jet. This effect can be used particularly effectively for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example, generating a directional jet at high pressure is particularly useful.

[0013] Within the scope of this aspect, the present invention is therefore based on the consideration that a directional pressurized medium jet should be provided to achieve the particularly high cleaning or rinsing effect required. This can be achieved in a particularly simple "self-acting" design without external intervention, because the above design enables the reaction between the two active substances to be specifically triggered at a local position in the nozzle body. This means that not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the reaction process between them and any reaction products released during the process can be used for treatment purposes and defined goals. In particular, by appropriately shaping the chamber geometry and / or the geometry of the medium channels and possibly providing other components such as valve flaps, according to one aspect of the present invention, the pressure ratio or other parameters in the generated medium jet can be specifically specified.

[0014] Therefore, this concept is applicable to targeted care and cleaning procedures for teeth, for example, where periodontal pockets are also treated and cleaned.

[0015] Advantageously, the mixing point is designed as a mixing chamber, and the medium channels run towards and lead to this mixing chamber. The mixing chamber can be particularly adapted to the required reaction kinetics, especially by selecting a suitable geometry or volume; advantageously, its volume is at most 1000 cubic millimeters, preferably at most 500 cubic millimeters, and particularly preferably at most 100 cubic millimeters.

[0016] Taking into account the intended use of the application nozzle in the field of dental care and prophylaxis, in order to be able to manufacture large quantities of such application nozzles and thus enable mass production, a particularly suitable design is advantageously selected for this purpose, which can provide a functionally reliable application concept even when using relatively inexpensive materials. To take this into account, a foil material is advantageously provided as the base material for manufacturing the nozzle body, which body can be constructed by laminating or welding multiple foil layers to form a suitable composite, and can also contain a storage container and / or a media channel. Thus, in this advantageous embodiment considered to be independently creative, the base body or the nozzle body is formed by a laminate structure or a layer body welded from multiple thin film sheets, in which a media channel is arranged, and each media channel leads to an application opening on the outlet side.

[0017] The media delivery channel is used to deliver the active ingredient to be applied to the intended delivery point in the composite. The media delivery channel opens into the mixing chamber of the composite on the outlet side, and the media delivery channel can be provided by a groove made in the corresponding film. In particular, the use of film-based technology and subsequent lamination or welding enables great flexibility in the design and insertion of such media channels, because by appropriate shaping in the corresponding film, the free or blank spaces required in the composite can be created in various ways and geometries. The shaping is advantageously carried out by stamping, laser or embossing, which is particularly preferred; however, alternatively, machining by milling or etching can also be provided (in the case of a wet-chemically soluble film material). Preferably, a cut foil can be attached to a carrier foil, which in turn can be provided as part of a foil stack, or can be removed later after being cut. During embossing or especially thermo-embossing, a double-extrusion film can also be used, for example, to insert the media channel using a hot stamping or a roller.

[0018] The media channel and / or the mixing chamber can in particular be manufactured by using lamination, welding or embossing techniques, for example by manufacturing a central film with corresponding cuts and then laminating or welding it to continuous film layers on the top and bottom to form a composite in the form of a film sandwich, or by laminating or welding two symmetrically embossed films together.

[0019] Advantageously, polyamide is used as the substrate for the film or film sheet; however, alternatively, another suitable film material, such as PVC, PP or PE, or even a combination of different film materials, can also be considered advantageous. According to one aspect of the present invention, the choice of material takes particular account of the fact that the application nozzle should also be suitable for use by trained medical personnel, for example in connection with the treatment by a dentist, but on the other hand also suitable for private use by persons who are not usually specially trained, in particular by the patient himself in the case of dental care. Particularly preferably, the film material is selected according to the material properties of the film material (such as in particular its stiffness or strength) such that the stiffness of the laminate or composite formed by the film fragments is not too great, thus excluding oral injuries to the greatest extent possible.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment considered to be independently creative, the nozzle body consists of at least three film layers with different material properties and functionally adapted to different specifications. In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, the central film layer arranged between two adjacent film layers can be formed of a harder film material than the two adjacent film layers, i.e., in particular having different Shore hardness or elastic modulus. This means that the central film layer can define the contour or spatial shape of the nozzle body in the manner of a support structure, while the relatively softer outer film layers can be designed to be flexible and deformable, thus significantly reducing the risk of injury when contacting the nozzle body, such as the oral mucosa. If the nozzle body, the hose and the storage container are all integrated, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the intermediate and harder film is only attached in the nozzle body.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the nozzle body consists of at least three foil layers, and a light guide or a light guide foil is integrated in each foil layer. According to a method considered to be independently creative, this structure can be used for the lateral detection of teeth or soft tissues. Specifically, it is intended to introduce white light into the foil package through the light guide located in the center, and thus into the application area, such as the periodontal pocket. This is reflected there, and then the reflected light can return in the light guide arranged on the outside. If the light is reflected by the tooth or implant material, the proportion of red in the reflected light is lower than when it is reflected by the soft tissue. By comparing the red components in the reflected light, it is thus possible to identify which side surface of the nozzle body is facing the tooth or implant and which side is facing the soft tissue. Using this knowledge, the medium channels located on both sides of the central foil can be provided as required. It is also possible to distinguish between teeth and implants by determining the brightness difference: relatively brighter reflected light is assigned to the teeth; relatively darker light is assigned to the implants.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, which is considered to have independent inventiveness, the outer film of the film pack is advantageously colored, wherein the first outer film is white and the second outer film is red. This embodiment helps the user to correctly align the application nozzle: in correct use, the red outer foil should point to the soft tissue or the gums, and the white outer foil should point to the teeth. In such an embodiment, in a favorable further development, only the white side, i.e., the side facing the teeth, is provided with an application opening. This ensures that, for example, a disinfectant or a therapeutic agent is only applied to the teeth and not to the soft tissue.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the medium channels are formed by corresponding grooves in the central film, which is laterally bounded by corresponding side edges. Then, the top and bottom of the respective medium channels are bounded by respective laminated or welded continuous base films or cover films. In order to be able to safely and reliably provide a relatively large free cross-section for the individual medium channels and to provide correspondingly wide grooves in the intermediate or central film, which are also suitable for passing a larger amount of active substance, in a favorable embodiment, many of the medium channels are provided with integrated spacers, which is considered to be inventive in itself.

[0024] In a particularly favorable embodiment, which is also considered to have independent inventiveness, the application nozzle is also designed according to its geometric structure and dimensions for precisely introducing an active substance into the oral area of the patient or for rinsing the oral area. Advantageously, especially considering that the active substance can also be applied to the interdental spaces or periodontal pockets of the patient's teeth, especially during dental care measures. According to one aspect of the invention, an application nozzle particularly suitable for this purpose has a nozzle body, which is constructed as a laminate of foils with a total thickness of 0.3 - 2 mm, preferably 0.5 - 1.5 mm, and particularly preferably 0.7 - 1.2 mm. Correspondingly, the individual film sheets forming the laminate each have a film thickness of 50 - 500 µm, preferably 80 - 350 µm, and particularly preferably 100 - 250 µm.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, according to one aspect of the invention, the shape of the application nozzle is also particularly advantageously suitable for the above applications, namely the precise application of active ingredients for rinsing in the oral cavity and / or for general dental care. For this purpose, its nozzle body can extend longitudinally from the connection side to the free treatment end, whereby its cross-section tapers towards the treatment end. Thus, it generally presents the profile of a treatment tip, making it particularly convenient to operate in relatively narrow situations in the oral cavity. According to one aspect of the invention, the design of the application nozzle can thus be set as a substantially flat component. This does not mean that the application nozzle can or should be two-dimensional; rather, it means that the application nozzle or the substrate forming it should be a body that extends substantially along a base plane or the ground, but has a certain thickness in the third spatial direction. However, in terms of cross-section, this also means that the lateral extension of the substrate in the base plane is significantly greater than the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the base plane. For applications, this means that the free end or treatment end of the substrate can be relatively easily inserted into the above-mentioned alveoli, for example, by aligning the base plane of the substrate substantially parallel to the outer surface of the teeth.

[0026] In particular, the substrate can have a sword-like or blade-like shape, especially in the treatment end region, through which the space between the alveoli and the teeth can be easily reached. The laterally radiating application openings also ensure that undercuts on the tooth surface (e.g., due to concave segments in the interproximal areas) can be easily and reliably treated with the medium.

[0027] Preferably, the application opening or the application openings and thus the resulting "double nozzle" are arranged in the outflow region of the nozzle body located in the treatment end region. Regarding the direction of outflow from the respective application opening, this can be designed such that the medium flowing out of the application opening is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body, or it can also be designed to flow obliquely or laterally. The opening regions of the respective medium channels can be arranged in a straight line, or can be curved or angled. In addition, the nozzle body preferably has a triangular profile in a plan view, which can also be designed as a curved triangle to optimize the application.

[0028] In addition to the incisions forming the medium channels, embossings serving as medium channels can also be inserted.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, which is itself considered to be inventive, the application nozzle is specially designed for dental care, wherein reliable rinsing is simple for the user, which is also particularly important for difficult-to-access areas such as periodontal pockets. In order to facilitate this in particular, in addition to the medium channel provided as an application medium channel, at least one further medium channel designed as a suction duct is advantageously provided, which leads to an application opening on the outlet side. The application medium channel can then be used to supply rinsing medium in a targeted manner, for example into the periodontal pocket, so that particles, food residues or dirt discharged after rinsing can be removed in a targeted manner via the suction duct. This is particularly useful during dental treatment, wherein the suction duct according to one aspect of the invention can be connected to a saliva ejector, a suction device on a patient chair, a surgical suction unit or other external suction device.

[0030] According to another aspect, which is regarded as independently inventive, the application nozzle has, in addition to the medium channel, a pressure channel which is also integrated in the nozzle body and connected to the mixing point. In particular, this can be connected or connectable to an external pressure source, such as a pump, so that the mixing point can be additionally pressurized in a targeted manner to support the pressure buildup during the application of the medium. The pressurized medium can be air, water or a mixture thereof, possibly mixed with powders or granules. The pressurization is advantageously pulsed or intermittent, so that a particularly intensive application of the medium can be produced as required.

[0031] In an advantageous further development, the application nozzle as described above is designed as a disposable or single-use product and is therefore intended for single use only.

[0032] In a manner that is regarded as independently inventive, the nozzle body can also be designed as an intermediate piece instead of an application nozzle in a design that is substantially the same as the above-described design, wherein the medium is introduced into the patient's mouth not via an application opening arranged at the treatment end of the nozzle body, but via a separate delivery component (e.g. a hose bag, a treatment vent, etc.). In such an embodiment, the actual application component can be appropriately connected to the outlet region of the nozzle body, so that the pressurized treatment medium generated at the mixing point or in particular in the mixing chamber can be guided to the intended application site in the patient's mouth via a corresponding pressure line provided in the application component. Thus, appropriate additional medium channels can be provided in the dispensing section for other media carried in the nozzle body, such as separate media, which only come into contact with each other at the dispensing point in the patient's mouth.

[0033] With regard to the active ingredient applicator, the object is achieved by an application nozzle of one of the above-mentioned designs, in which each of the two media channels leading to the outlet opening or mixing chamber is connected on the media side to a separately assigned active ingredient chamber.

[0034] This design achieves the intended use of the present invention, that is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredients contained in the active ingredient chamber can be applied separately and independently of each other via the application openings at the intended positions and only mixed there, or according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, they are fed into a mixing chamber for mixing. This embodiment can be provided as a cartridge with a nozzle for manual squeezing, as a handheld device similar to an electric toothbrush, or as a stand-alone device with a hose connected to a handle / mouthpiece, possibly with a light as well.

[0035] The active ingredient applicator can include an application nozzle as a separate and independent component, which is connected to the active ingredient chamber through a suitable connection point. These can be installed in a fixed position or connected to the application nozzle as separate components during the manufacturing stage so that the application nozzle together with the already connected active ingredient chamber can be delivered to the user as a pre-assembled system. In this way, for example, the active ingredients can be delivered to the user in portions and predetermined doses, so that by using common concepts (such as corresponding outer packaging), all specifications in the hygiene field can be easily met, such as the necessary disinfection or sterilization measures. The application nozzle can be designed as a replaceable disposable part, where a new unused nozzle is first connected to the actual device for use.

[0036] However, according to one aspect of the present invention, the active ingredient applicator can also have an integrated design, that is, the active ingredient chamber is integrated with the nozzle body in a base body, and if necessary, together with a connecting hose. In this design, the "application nozzle" forms the end of this common base body towards the end of the treatment, and thus is not a physically independent component. The design of the common base body as a multi-layer film body or laminate as described above is considered particularly advantageous in this design. By appropriately shaping the film layers or sheets, the medium channels and the active ingredient chamber and, if necessary, the connecting elements can be integrated into the body, so that a suitable spatial configuration can be selected according to the needs by utilizing the film properties and the resulting flexibility. In particular, the applicator can be designed in the form of an ampoule, so that the flexibility of the individual films and the active ingredient cavities formed by these films are suitable for extrusion by the patient at home. The applicator can be provided to the patient or dentist like a toothbrush with an ampoule.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, which is also considered to have independent inventiveness, the application nozzle can also be designed for applying a pre - quantified or dosed active ingredient. For this purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, each active ingredient chamber is advantageously designed with an internal volume suitable for the dose to be applied to the patient. This can contain a predetermined dose of an active ingredient, such as chlorhexidine for disinfection or a rinsing solution. Then the patient can apply it by themselves at home, where the application nozzle is designed such that on the one hand it enables correct positioning in the oral cavity, and on the other hand it can ensure the correct dose of the active ingredient through the dosed supply in the nozzle body. Then the active ingredient stored in the active ingredient chamber can be applied or introduced into the active ingredient chamber by pressing the complex, possibly using the material - related deformability of the foil complex, so that the active ingredient is pressed out through the corresponding medium channel and the associated application opening.

[0038] Advantageously, the active ingredient chamber is isolated from the associated medium channel by a sealing or closing element, thus preventing accidental leakage of the active ingredient. The sealing element is advantageously designed such that when pressure is applied to the active ingredient chamber or it is separated from the application nozzle, the sealing element tears, ruptures or is otherwise damaged. Preferably, the film element is laminated or welded and made very thin by embossing, thus forming a weak point, which forms a separation or tear point / area, thereby opening the medium channel. Due to the applied pressure or separation, the medium channel is released for the active ingredient and can be applied.

[0039] The above - mentioned design can also further improve the overall logistics of providing the active ingredient, because first of all, the patient can self - administer certain active ingredients or medications.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, which is also considered to have independent inventiveness, bicarbonate, preferably potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate or calcium bicarbonate, and particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, is provided as an active ingredient in one of the above - mentioned active ingredient chambers. With the application nozzle prepared and pre - filled in this way, the patient or user can independently monitor and track the success of the treatment, for example, during a so - called periodontal treatment or its follow - up care. If the carbonate is applied to the affected periodontal pocket using the application nozzle and there is an infection there, the carbonate interacts with the acidic environment caused by the infection in the periodontal pocket to form bubbles. On the one hand, this effect of bubble formation in the periodontal pocket can be used as an indication for the user: bubbles will only appear when the environment is acidic and there is an infection in the periodontal pocket. Therefore, the bubbles provide the user with tactile or haptic as well as visual feedback, informing the presence of the infection and the progress of the treatment success. In addition, the formation of bubbles in the periodontal pocket also improves the rinsing effect and thus is also beneficial for post - treatment care.

[0041] The concept of providing a carbonate or bicarbonate as an active ingredient in an active ingredient chamber connected to an application opening via a medium channel, and an active ingredient applicator constructed in this way, is also considered to have independent creativity, and (but not limited to) in embodiments having only one medium channel and / or only one active ingredient chamber, i.e., in particular, no other active ingredients are provided, and preferably in combination with the above aspects related to the spatial and / or functional embodiments of the applicator assembly. According to an aspect of the present invention considered to have independent creativity, the presence of inflammation can also be diagnosed by inserting a paper tip, cotton tip, liquid collection silicone element, etc. into the periodontal pocket and sampling from there, and then placing it in a solution containing Na or K bicarbonate. This is a simple method that can provide an indicator for detecting inflammation suitable for home use by patients.

[0042] According to the above aspect of the present invention, two or more active ingredient chambers are provided, each active ingredient chamber being connected to at least one application opening via a related medium channel. According to an aspect of the present invention, these chambers can contain different active ingredients that combine or interact with each other to trigger the desired effect. Then, when the user activates, the active ingredients are applied together and mixed at the application site, thereby triggering the expected interaction at the application site. For example, two active ingredient chambers can be provided, one containing bicarbonate and the other containing an acid / carboxylic acid (such as malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each chamber being an aqueous solution with a concentration suitable for the intended treatment. Then they are applied together, come into contact with each other at the application site and react to form bubbles. For example, this effect is particularly useful for cleaning or rinsing purposes.

[0043] As an active ingredient, one of the active ingredient chambers can be particularly filled with disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and / or sodium hydrogen phosphate, in each case also optionally as the dihydrate. Alternatively or additionally, according to an aspect of the present invention, emollient substances such as sodium docusate and / or antibacterial substances such as clove oil, CHX or H 2 O 2 。

[0044] The advantages achieved by the present invention lie particularly in providing two or more active ingredients in a separately maintained active ingredient chamber, which are discharged through separate medium channels in a common spatial area and mixed there, enabling the targeted and local utilization of the reaction kinetics of the active ingredients and / or their reaction products (such as the formed bubbles). Even without prior medical training, it is difficult for the user or patient themselves to access the periodontal pocket, so special care or treatment measures can be carried out on the periodontal pocket. The application nozzle being designed as a film composite or laminate also means that suitable application nozzles can be provided in large quantities at low cost using relatively simple methods and with great flexibility in spatial design. This also enables or at least facilitates a wide range of applications, from therapeutic applications by trained personnel to preventive or care measures that can be carried out by the user or patient themselves.

[0045] It should also be noted that users at home do not have access to sterile media, especially gases. In contrast, dentists can usually use sterile air and sterile water to irrigate the periodontal pocket. Now, a mixture of at least two relatively small-volume sterile active substances provided directly generates a very large volume of sterile gas as a reaction product on-site (i.e., already in the periodontal pocket), which enables the sterile irrigation of the periodontal pocket even for private users. This is particularly important for patients to irrigate the periodontal pocket themselves. In addition, according to the concept of the present invention, sterile gas can be provided directly for irrigation during use.

[0046] By introducing a bicarbonate solution into the periodontal pocket, in addition to detecting the inflamed periodontal pocket, the pH value inside the periodontal pocket also increases. In particular, the tooth substance and the hard and soft tissues around the tooth respond in an inflammatory manner to the decrease in the pH value inside the periodontal pocket caused by the biofilm. Therefore, the environment inside the periodontal pocket, the tooth substance, and / or the hard and soft tissues around the tooth can be made more favorable, and a higher pH value can be set to support tissue regeneration.

[0047] The reaction between bicarbonate dissolved in water, such as potassium bicarbonate and / or sodium bicarbonate, and an acid (such as malic acid, citric acid, or lactic acid dissolved in water) or the H+ ions of the acid includes the formation of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), water (H 2 O), and the sodium salt of the acid anion (such as sodium malate - Na 2 C 4 H 4 O 5 , sodium citrate - Na 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 or sodium lactate - NaC 3 H 5 O 3)。This chemical reaction does not produce any substances that are toxic or of medical concern, except for the carbon dioxide that is cleared and forms bubbles. This fact is considered particularly advantageous and is not relevant to the substances provided now.

[0048] Although ammonium bicarbonate itself is a viable alternative, it is already harmful to health. The reaction with an acid or a carboxylic acid also produces substances that are harmful to health. When reacting with an acid or a carboxylic acid, water (H 2 O), beneficial carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and harmful toxic ammonia (NH 3 ) are formed.

[0049] Therefore, the only true alternative to potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate is calcium bicarbonate, which only exists in water.

[0050] Since the gas produced is highly aseptic, this irrigation can of course also be used in many other medical applications on the human or animal body.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section of a tooth in the oral bone of a patient is shown,

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an active ingredient applicator with a multi-part design is shown,

[0054] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the application nozzle of the active ingredient applicator is shown,

[0055] Figure 4 A perspective view of an integrated active ingredient applicator is shown,

[0056] Figure 5 shows the application nozzle of the active ingredient applicator according to Figure 2 or Figure 3 , a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the treatment end thereof,

[0057] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the base section of the application nozzle according to Figure 3 in the order of the manufacturing steps,

[0058] Figure 7 shows the base section of the active ingredient applicator according to Figure 4 ,

[0059] Figure 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view according to Figure 7,

[0060] Figure 9 Shown according to Figure 4 The base section of the active ingredient applicator, having an alternative channel geometry in the mixing point area,

[0061] Figure 10 shows a magnified sectional view according to Figure 9 of

[0062] Figure 11 shows a magnified sectional view according to Figure 4 of the base section of the active ingredient applicator, having another alternative channel geometry in the mixing point area,

[0063] Figure 12 shows a magnified sectional view according to Figure 11 of

[0064] Figure 13 shows a magnified sectional view according to Figure 4 of the base section of the active ingredient applicator, having another alternative channel geometry in the mixing point area,

[0065] Figure 14 shows Figure 13 a magnified sectional view of

[0066] Figure 15 shows a magnified sectional view according to Figure 4 of the base section of the active ingredient applicator, having another alternative channel geometry in the mixing point area,

[0067] Figure 16 shows Figure 15 a magnified sectional view of

[0068] Figure 17 shows a variant of the active ingredient applicator according to Figure 4 in perspective views of different local sections,

[0069] Figure 18 shows another variant of the active ingredient applicator according to Figure 4 in perspective views of different local sections,

[0070] Figure 19 shows another variant of the active ingredient applicator according to Figure 4 in a perspective view in the order of manufacturing steps,

[0071] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the intermediate piece in the order of manufacturing steps,

[0072] Figure 21 shows the intermediate piece connected with a media pipeline shown in Figure 20,

[0073] Figure 22 shows a double syringe system in different views,

[0074] Figure 23 shows a hose package,

[0075] Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the active ingredient applicator,

[0076] Figure 25 shows a longitudinal section of the bottom region of two active ingredient chambers,

[0077] Figure 26 shows a longitudinal section of an application nozzle,

[0078] Figure 27 shows a longitudinal section of an alternative application nozzle,

[0079] Figure 28 shows as Figure 27 shown, an enlarged section of the application nozzle,

[0080] Figure 29 shows an active ingredient applicator according to Figure 24 and its associated sealing system,

[0081] Figure 30 shows an enlarged view of the closed region of the active ingredient applicator according to Figure 29,

[0082] Figure 31 shows an active ingredient applicator with an angled application nozzle, and

[0083] Figures 32 and 33 further show active ingredient applicators of alternative designs, respectively.

[0084] In all the figures, the same parts are labeled with the same reference signs.

[0085] In Figure 1 , a tooth 1 in a patient's jawbone 2 is schematically shown in a longitudinal section. This tooth 1 is only used as an example to illustrate the mode of action of the present invention. In the embodiment, the tooth 1 is in a state after periodontal disease treatment, in which a relatively deep periodontal pocket 6 is formed near the tooth neck 4. Due to the invasion of bacteria or germs into the tissue area, especially in the tooth neck 4 area and the surrounding soft tissue 8, the periodontal pocket 6 is inflamed due to periodontal disease. Therefore, after the actual treatment of periodontal disease, follow-up treatment is provided in the form of aftercare, which can be carried out by the patient himself at home, for example, daily. In this treatment, dental medicaments, such as disinfectants or rinsing solutions for killing the existing bacteria or germs, should be precisely applied into the periodontal pocket 6 in the patient's oral cavity, and thus to the affected area in the surrounding soft tissue.

[0086] For this purpose, active ingredient applicators 10, 10' are provided, as Figure 1 shown, which are adjacent to the periodontal pocket 6, as Figure 2As shown, the applicator is enlarged in a side view and provided to the patient so that the patient can perform the corresponding treatment at home by themselves and precisely apply the required active ingredient to the oral cavity. It should be noted that the structure and mode of operation of the active ingredient applicators 10, 10' are only described by way of example with reference to applying the active ingredient to the periodontal pocket 6; however, of course, there are many other possible uses, such as in the context of (non-therapeutic) dental care or cleaning, for cleaning interdental spaces, for targeted application of active ingredients to local inflammations within the oral cavity area, etc., and these are all included within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 2 The active ingredient applicator 10 shown in the embodiment is designed as a mobile multi-component system. It includes a handle or grip member 12 designed in the form of a housing, which has an application nozzle 16 at its free end or distal end 14 as the actual treatment head or actual treatment element, which in the embodiment is only designed for single use and is thus a disposable product in terms of hygiene and care. The application nozzle 16 is connected to a supply container 19 arranged in the handle 12 via a connecting element (in the embodiment, a section of tube 18 guided in a protective sleeve 17), in which the expected active ingredient is stored. The hose section 18 together with the protective sleeve 17 is led out from the housing formed by the handle 12 through a feed-through device that can be closed by a hose valve 11.

[0088] Furthermore, a system for activating the active ingredient container for automatic dispensing of the active ingredient, such as a mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic system 23, is also arranged in the handle 12, through which the active ingredient can be delivered, as well as a control unit 20 and a power supply unit 21, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. The mechanical system can be a pressure plunger acting on the active ingredient container or can be designed similar to a dual syringe or dual cannula or dual barrel system. In principle, the type and design of the active ingredient applicator 10 are similar to an electric toothbrush, in which the active (electrical) components are also integrated in the handle forming the housing. In the embodiment, the application nozzle 16 is attached to a fixing member 15. Alternatively, the active ingredient applicator 10 can also be designed as a fixed application system, for example, in a dentist's treatment room; in this case, the handle can be designed, for example, in multiple parts and have a nozzle that carries the application nozzle 16 and is in turn connected to a supply system 19 storing the active ingredient.

[0089] Figure 3 The application nozzle 16 is shown in an enlarged perspective view, in which four access nozzles 30 are respectively connected to a medium channel extending within its nozzle body 22 on the inlet side. Of course, a different number of such access nozzles 30 can also be provided, such as a single one, two or more. The application nozzle 16 can be connected to the hose package 18, for example, through these access nozzles 30.

[0090] Figure 4The perspective view therein shows an alternative one-piece version of the active ingredient applicator 10'. In this embodiment, the applicator nozzle 16 is an integral part of the active ingredient applicator 10' and is molded thereon. For the preferred use in the field of dental care or as a self-administered therapeutic agent, according to Figure 2 、 3 In the two embodiments of and 4, the applicator nozzle 16 is specifically designed for high functionality and has a particularly simple structure, so it can also be mass-produced at limited manufacturing costs. For this purpose, the application nozzle 16 has a nozzle body 22 as a basic functional component, in which a plurality of media channels 34 for the active ingredient to be applied are arranged, and each media channel can lead to an application opening 32 on the outlet side.

[0091] From Figure 3 and 4 It can be clearly seen from the perspective view therein that the nozzle body 22 is designed as a body that extends longitudinally from the connection region 36 to the free treatment end 38. In Figure 4 the one-piece design shown, the connection region 36 is located inside the applicator body; in the design for the multi-part variant as shown in Figure 3 , the connection region 36 functionally corresponds to the connection side of the application nozzle 16. In the embodiment, this connection side is provided with suitable means for mechanically fixing the nozzle body 22 to the handle 12 and is connected to the hose member 18; however, in an alternative independent embodiment provided according to Figure 4 , such a connection is not necessary.

[0092] When forming the nozzle body 22, it is especially considered that the user should be able to position the treatment end 38 very precisely, although the space in the oral cavity is very narrow, so as to be able to apply the active substance in a precisely local manner. To achieve this, the spatial shape of the nozzle body 22 is appropriately selected, taking into account that the alveolar ridge 6 is usually formed in the form of a gap extending along the tooth surface.

[0093] To take this into account, according to one aspect of the present invention, the nozzle body 22 of the application nozzle 16 is designed as a substantially flat component in the form of a flat spatial body. Therefore, the application nozzle 16 or the base body 22 forming it is designed as a body that extends substantially along the base plane or the ground, and its thickness remains significantly smaller than its lateral extension in the base plane when observed in cross-section. For application, this means that the free end or the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 can be relatively easily inserted into the alveolar ridge 6, for example, by aligning the base plane of the nozzle body 22 substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tooth 1.

[0094] In addition, the cross-section of the base body 22 tapers towards the treatment end 38. Thus, the free end or the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 has a substantially flat, relatively narrow or even conical profile, making it particularly easy to insert into the alveolar pocket 6. In an embodiment, for example, as shown in the perspective view according to Figure 3 , 4 , this results in the nozzle body 22 having a triangular-shaped profile in plan view.

[0095] In order to be able to apply the active ingredient precisely into the periodontal pocket 6, an outflow area 40 is arranged in the region of the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22, where each application opening 32 is connected to a medium channel 34. This allows the corresponding active ingredient to be specifically applied in the region of the treatment end 38 of the application nozzle 16, and thus, if necessary, directly into the corresponding periodontal pocket 6. A plurality of application openings 32 are also arranged in the outflow direction transversely aligned with the longitudinal axis, for example, as shown in the perspective view in Figure 3 , 4 . In this way, the entire spatial region in the periodontal pocket 6 around the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 can be filled with the active substance in a simple manner.

[0096] Regarding the guidance of the medium channels 34 in the nozzle body 22, the present invention basically provides two preferred design concepts, each of which is considered to have independent creativity.

[0097] According to the first of these design concepts, in two embodiments according to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the active ingredient applicators 10, 10', in each case by appropriately designing the application nozzle 16, are designed according to an aspect of the present invention, the concept being that two or more active ingredients are applied separately from each other at the application site and are mixed and react with each other there, such that the reaction itself and / or the reaction product can have an effect at the application site. For this purpose, at least two medium channels 34 are integrated into the nozzle body 22, which extend independently of each other from the connection region 36 to the free treatment end 38, and each medium channel leads to an application opening 32 on the outlet side. In the shown embodiment, the application openings 32 associated with the two medium channels 34 are each spaced approximately 1 mm apart, such that the application of the active ingredients can be carried out close enough to each other at the application site to achieve the desired local mixing.

[0098] On the other hand, according to the second design concept, which is considered to have independent creativity, in accordance with Figure 2 and Figure 4In two embodiments, the active ingredient applicators 10, 10' are each designed by appropriately configuring the application nozzle 16. According to one aspect of the present invention, the concept is designed such that two or more active ingredients are separately and differently supplied to the nozzle body 22 and then mixed with each other at the mixing point 42 and thus may react with each other. Starting from the mixing point 42, another medium channel 34 then leads to the free treatment end 38, thereby applying the mixed medium to the application site. For this purpose, at least two medium channels 34 that are independent of each other and lead from the connection area 36 to the mixing point 42 and another medium channel 34 that leads to the free treatment end 38 and to the application opening 32 on the outlet side are integrated into the nozzle body 22. In addition, other medium channels 34 may be provided, for example, directly from the connection area 36 to the free treatment end 38, so that other media can also be directly transported through the nozzle body 22 to the free treatment end 38, for example, according to the first design concept described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the application openings 32 associated with these medium channels 34 are spaced approximately 1 millimeter apart from each other so that the active ingredients can be applied close enough to each other at the application site to enable the desired local mixing.

[0099] In both design concepts, each medium channel 34 extending from the connection area 36 is connected, for example, via a corresponding access nozzle 30 to an active ingredient chamber 44 that is separately allocated on the medium side at the input side. According to one aspect of the present invention, the corresponding active ingredient chamber 44 has an internal volume suitable for the patient dose to be applied, so that the user does not need to administer further medication.

[0100] In the active ingredient applicator 10 according to Figure 2 the active ingredient chamber 44 is integrated into the supply container, and the medium channels 34 that are separately allocated to each active ingredient chamber 44 are routed within the hose section 18 up to the connection area 36. When the active ingredient chamber 44 is pressurized in this embodiment, the active ingredient contained therein is thus transported through the medium channel 34 and the application nozzle 16 to the outflow area 40, where it is dispensed through the application opening 32. In contrast, in the active ingredient applicator 10' according to Figure 4 the active ingredient chamber 44 is integrated into the common base body 46 that includes the nozzle body 22.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, in accordance with aspects considered to be independently inventive, in each case two active ingredient chambers 44 are provided, in which different active ingredients suitable for the desired effect are provided, and these active ingredients combine with one another or interact to trigger the desired effect. For example, two active ingredient chambers 44 can be provided, one of which provides a carbonate, in particular bicarbonate, and the other of which provides an acid (such as citric acid). Then, they are discharged together, come into contact with one another at the mixing point 42 and react there to form gas and bubbles. This allows a gas of relatively high pressure to be formed at the mixing point 42, which is then discharged at the treatment end 38 through the medium channel 34 downstream of the mixing point 42. This effect can be used particularly advantageously for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example, the gas escaping under high pressure achieves a particularly good cleaning effect.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, a predetermined dose of an active ingredient, such as chlorhexidine for disinfection or a rinsing solution, can be accommodated in such an active ingredient chamber 44, which is closed with a sealing or closing element after being filled into the adjacent medium channel 34. Then the patient can apply it himself at home. Thus, on the one hand, the design of the application nozzle 16 enables it to be correctly positioned in the oral cavity, and on the other hand, the correct dose of the active ingredient can be ensured by batch supply in the nozzle body.

[0103] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, in addition to the medium channel 34 that serves as an application medium channel and leads to the application opening 32 on the outlet side, at least one medium channel 34 can be designed as a suction duct in the nozzle body 22. This embodiment particularly takes into account Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, four access nozzles 30 and correspondingly four medium channels extend in the nozzle body 22.

[0104] Taking into account the desired low-cost design suitable for large quantities, according to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle body 22, as can be seen particularly clearly in the perspective view according to Figure 5a and the representation of the treatment end 38 in the cross-section according to Figure 5b is designed in the form of a laminate, i.e., a layered body composed of a plurality of thin film sheets 50. In Figure 5a the treatment end 38 is shown in a perspective view. It can be clearly seen that, on the one hand, the application opening 32 is arranged in a substantially straight downstream direction, and laterally aligned application openings 32' are also provided, for example, for dispensing another rinsing medium or also serving as suction openings. In accordance with Figure 5bThe bottom layer structure can be clearly seen in the cross-sectional view. Corresponding dielectric channels 34 are formed in the thin film layer 52 of the laminate through grooves formed in the corresponding layer films. Since the coating nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 is designed as a composite film body or laminate, a suitable coating nozzle 16 can be provided in a relatively simple manner with high cost-effectiveness and in large quantities, and has great flexibility in terms of spatial design.

[0105] According to one aspect of the present invention, this basic design has significant advantages, namely, the dielectric channels 34 can be introduced into the respective film layers 52 relatively simply, especially with considerable flexibility in terms of channel routing, geometry, etc., which can be achieved by conventional film processing methods (such as etching, embossing, laser, etc.). This enables a particularly high degree of flexibility in the geometric and functional design and layout of the dielectric channels 34 in the film stack to be achieved in a simple manner. The coating nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 is formed by a plurality of thin film sheets 50 in the form of a laminate or layer stack, which are stacked on top of each other and are bonded, welded or otherwise connected to each other at their contact surfaces. The thin film thickness d of the thin film sheets 50 is respectively 150 - 250 microns, and thus within the preferred range of 50 - 500 microns. Therefore, the total thickness D of the coating nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 constructed as a laminate of the thin film sheets 50 is 0.7 - 1.2 mm, i.e., within the preferred range of 0.3 - 2 mm, so that it can be inserted into the periodontal pocket 6 as required without any problems.

[0106] According to one aspect of the present invention, Figure 4 The shown integral coating nozzle 16 has such a structure: as a film layer or composite body or laminate of the entire nozzle body 22 forming the coating nozzle 16. In the embodiment, the coating nozzle 16 is also composed of foil layers 52, 54, 56 that are different in terms of material selection and parameters. The central intermediate foil layer 56 of the first foil material is covered on both sides by the corresponding side foil layers or outer foil layers 52, 54 of different foil materials. The material properties of the thin film layer 56 and the thin film layers 52, 54 are different and are functionally adapted to different specifications. In the embodiment, according to one aspect of the present invention, the central thin film layer 56 includes a relatively hard thin film material, i.e., especially having a relatively large Shore hardness or modulus of elasticity, while the other thin film layers 52, 54 are softer. Therefore, the central film layer 56 can define the contour or spatial shape of the nozzle body 22 in the manner of a support structure, while the relatively soft outer film layers 52, 54 can be designed to be flexible and deformable, thus significantly reducing the risk of injury when, for example, the oral mucosa comes into contact with the nozzle body 22.

[0107] In the embodiment, Figure 3 the coating nozzle 16 shown is integrally composed of such a film composite material. This design can be clearly seen from the representation of the hierarchical order of the structure in Figure 6.

[0108] The structure of the film layer package is shown in sequence in FIG. 6, starting from the first and bottommost film layer 54 and gradually adding other film layers 54, 56. Thus, Figure 6a The lowest or first film layer 54 is shown, which has been adapted to the required shape of the nozzle body 22 when viewed from above. Starting from the connection region 36, the width gradually decreases in the direction of the treatment end 38. The film 54 that has been pre-cut on its outer contour in this way is also provided with embossed grooves 58, which form the medium channel 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the medium channel 34 leads to an application opening 32' that is laterally aligned with the bottom surface of the nozzle body 22 and is thus particularly suitable for use as a channel for, for example, a flushing medium.

[0109] Then another film 50 (which also forms the film layer 54) is applied to this lower film layer 54 in a layered structure and laminated, for example. The resulting film stack is as Figure 6b shown. Thus, this includes two superimposed film layers 54. The last-applied film layer 54 covers the medium channel 34 that was previously introduced into the lower film layer 54 and formed by the grooves 58 and closes the medium channel at the top. In the connection region 36, the upper film layer 54 is also provided with a recess 60, which defines a mounting point for subsequently attaching the access nozzle 30.

[0110] Then the next film layer 56 is applied to the resulting layer stack, as Figure 6c shown. The film layer 56 forms the central film layer 56 and is made of a relatively hard film material, that is, in particular, having a relatively high Shore hardness or modulus of elasticity, while the other film layers 54 are softer. Thus, the film layer 56 can act as a support layer or a forming layer, thereby providing a certain stiffness and mechanical stability to the entire package.

[0111] In Figure 6c it can be clearly seen that the film layer 56 consists of multiple parts and is formed by multiple films 50. The foils 50 are arranged at intervals from each other, leaving openings 62 therebetween. These openings 62 also form some of the medium channels 34 integrated in the nozzle body 22 and there can be a great degree of freedom since the film can be processed (laser, stamping). In Figure 6cIn the illustrated embodiment, it can be clearly seen that starting from the provided connection area 36, four media channels 34 are guided into the illustrated nozzle body 22. The two central media channels 34 completely pass through the nozzle body 22 to the distal treatment end 38 independently of each other. Thus, two separate treatment media can be applied through these channels 34 independently of each other. In contrast, the two outer media channels 34 are only guided within the film layer 56 to the transition point 64, at which they connect to the continuous media channels 34 in the adjacent film layer 54. One of these two media channels 34 is connected, for example, to the media channel 34 in the first film layer 54 described above.

[0112] After the central film layer 56 is applied to the formed film stack, the access nozzle 30 for connecting the outer media channels or feed lines is inserted into the groove 60, as Figure 6d shown. Subsequently, in order to complete the application nozzle 16, two additional film layers 54 are applied, similar and symmetric to the film layers 54 shown in Figure 6a and 6b as shown in Figure 6e and 6f shown. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the application nozzle 16 is designed as a five-layer film laminate.

[0113] Similar to this construction method, according to one aspect of the present invention, this construction method also provides a film laminate or composite for the integral active ingredient applicator 10' shown in Figure 4 or provides a laminate for the entire substrate 46 forming the active ingredient applicator 10'. Thus, the latter is composed entirely of such a film composite material, and the active ingredient chamber 44 is directly incorporated into the film layer 54 by utilizing the deformability of the latter. This construction method can be clearly seen from the illustration in FIG. 7. Therein, the circumference of the "lower half" of the active ingredient applicator 10' is shown, that is, the entirety of the lower film layer 54, which forms the active ingredient chamber 44 through its construction, and the central film layer 56. As described above, the film layer 56 is appropriately shaped, for example, by laser or etching, and forms the media channels 34. On the other hand, the outer film layer 54 is appropriately expanded in the rear region and forms the active ingredient chamber 44 there.

[0114] The intended design and the intended manufacturing process of the application nozzle 16, in particular the laser cutting or stamping of the profile of the medium channel 34, allow for great flexibility in the design and configuration of the cavities, chambers or medium volumes provided in the laminate or laminate. The active ingredient held in the respective active ingredient chamber 44 can then be dispensed by pressing the composite, taking advantage of the material-related deformability of the film composite, so that the active ingredient is pressed out through the respective medium channel 34 and the associated application opening 32. Polyamide is used as the substrate for the film layers 52, 54, 56 or the film sheet 50; however, alternatively, another suitable film material, such as PP or PE, or a combination of different film materials can also be considered.

[0115] Below, some aspects of the invention that are considered to be independently creative will be further explained. These aspects mainly relate to channel guides or other elements in the region of the intermediate or central film layer 56. Therefore, they will be explained with reference to a diagram similar to FIG. 7, namely with reference to Figure 4 the embodiment of the integrated active ingredient applicator 10' shown in Figure 3 ; however, of course, these aspects can also be used for

[0116] Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention and in the sense of the first design concept described above, as can be clearly seen from the representation in Figure 7a and in particular from the enlarged representation in Figure 8a two medium channels 34 are arranged within the film composite in the film layer 56, the medium channels 34 being kept separate from each other on the medium side and leading to two application openings 32 in the region of the treatment end 38, the application openings 32 being arranged close to but separated from each other and at a certain distance from each other.

[0117] On the other hand, according to another aspect of the invention, which is considered to be independently creative, as can be clearly seen from the representation in Figure 7b and in particular from the enlarged representation in Figure 8b it is intended to provide a mixing point 42 for two different active substances within the film composite. For this purpose, in this variant, two medium channels 34 are designed in the film layer 56 as feed channels, which are separated from each other on the medium side and converge at the mixing point 42.

[0118] For example, according to one aspect of the present invention, the active ingredient can be a bicarbonate on the one hand, preferably potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate or calcium bicarbonate, particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, and on the other hand can be an acid / carboxylic acid (such as malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each in an aqueous solution with a concentration suitable for the intended treatment. According to the first design concept, they are then discharged separately into the room area to be treated, and according to the second design concept, they are conveyed together to the mixing point 42, where they come into contact with each other and react to form bubbles (forming CO 2 ). Due to this reaction and the formation of bubbles, a very high pressure can be generated at the mixing point 42 without external active influence, such that the medium flows out of the mixing point 42 at a relatively high pressure and thus forms a directional jet from the downstream application opening 32 of the nozzle body 22. This effect can be particularly advantageously used for cleaning or rinsing purposes. For example, generating a directional jet under high pressure is particularly useful.

[0119] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The enlarged cross-sectional view in shows the base section of the active ingredient applicator 10', which has an alternative channel geometry and channel guidance in the region of the mixing point 42.

[0120] Figure 11 The representation of the base section in and its Figure 12 The enlarged representation in shows another aspect of the present invention, which is considered an independent invention. In this embodiment, the two medium channels 34 are also integrated into the film layer 56 and converge at the mixing point 42. However, here, the valve flap 70 is connected in the medium channel 34 not far in front of the contact point with the mixing point 42. In the embodiment, these are the film pieces 50 molded into the film layer 56, which basically close the corresponding medium channels upstream of the mixing point 42 in the manner of a spring or leaf spring valve, but can be displaced by the medium pressure in the corresponding medium channels 34 to open the channels. However, this is not possible in the opposite direction because if the pressure in the region of the mixing point 42 increases, the valve flap 70 will be pressed into the valve seat at the edge of the corresponding medium channel 34, thereby closing it tightly. Due to such a valve arrangement, in the embodiment considered to have independent creativity, the reflux of the medium mixture generated at the mixing point 42 into the supply medium channels 34 is excluded. Therefore, especially in the case where an increase in pressure is expected after mixing the active ingredients, the discharge of the formed gas only occurs in the direction towards the treatment end 38, that is, via the application opening 32.

[0121] Another variant of the present invention is also considered to have independent creativity, which is shown by Figure 13 the representation of the base section in and Figure 14The enlarged representation in [the figure] is shown. In this variant, the valve flap 70 is also incorporated into the film layer 56 in accordance with the above functions. However, in this variant, the geometry is designed to form a mixing chamber 72 in the region of the mixing point 42. This provides sufficient volume for the intended gas formation, especially for the intended mixing of the active ingredients.

[0122] In Figure 15 another embodiment shown in Figure 16 (enlarged in [the figure]), having the same structure as the above variant, in an embodiment considered to be independently creative, an additional spring element 74 is provided, which acts on the valve flap 70 and strengthens its restoring force or contact pressure on the valve seat.

[0123] Some inventive aspects regarding Figure 4 the construction of the active ingredient chamber 44 of the active ingredient applicator 10' shown will be explained in more detail below. For this purpose, a cross-section or semi-cross-section similar to Figure 4 the perspective view in [the figure] is partially shown, without explaining the channel routing within the central film layer 56 in more detail. However, the above explanation of the channel guidance can also be provided in full in the following examples.

[0124] The perspective view and different partial cross-sections of the active ingredient applicator 10' shown in FIG. 17 have two active ingredient chambers 44, which are arranged on both sides of the central film layer 56 and separated from the latter. This means that different active ingredients can be easily stored in the two active ingredient chambers 44. In addition, it can be clearly seen in Figure 17a [the figure] that the mixing chamber 72 is formed in the region of the uppermost film layer 54 shown by appropriate shaping. Due to the shape shown in the film material, the volume of the mixing chamber 72 can be adapted to the intended purpose and the expected requirements for gas formation and related pressure accumulation, especially in an embodiment considered to be independently creative; in the embodiment, the volume of the mixing chamber is designed to be approximately 100 millimeters (3) .

[0125] In another variant shown in FIG. 18, having the same structure, the active ingredient applicator 10' has active ingredient chambers 44 with different internal volumes. This allows the active ingredients to be stored in the active ingredient chambers 44 in appropriately selected and adjusted amounts for the intended reaction. Also in this variant, the mixing chamber 72 is formed by appropriate shaping with an appropriately selected volume in the uppermost film 54.

[0126] Another variant of the active ingredient applicator 10', which is considered to be independently creative, is shown as in [the figure]. The order of gradually adding other film layers 54, 56 starting from the first lowermost film layer 54 is shown in FIG. 19. Thus, Figure 19aThe lowest or first film layer 54 is shown, which has been adapted to the required shape of the nozzle body 22 in its treatment area (as shown in the plan view). In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the active ingredient chamber 44 has been incorporated into this film layer 54. The foil 54 is also provided with embossed grooves 58, which form the media channels 34 and lead only in part to the distal or treatment end 38 of the applicator.

[0127] Then, during the layer-by-layer assembly, another film 50 (which also forms the film layer 54) is applied to the underlying film layer 54 and, for example, laminated on. The resulting film stack is as Figure 19b shown. Thus, this includes two superimposed film layers 54. The last-applied film layer 54 covers the media channels 34 that were previously introduced into the lower film layer 54 and formed by the grooves 58, and substantially closes the media channels 34 at the top. In the transition region 76, the upper film layer is provided with a valve flap 78, the position of which substantially overlaps the end region of the media channels 34 guided in the lower film layer 54. The valve flap 78 can be formed, for example, by introducing an opening line 80 (e.g., by laser or stamping). The valve flap 78 allows the media guided in the media channels 34 in the lower film layer 54 to pass upward, i.e., into the next upper film layer 56.

[0128] As Figure 19c shown, this is applied to the resulting layer package and designed as the central film layer 56 according to the above criteria. Thus, the film layer 56 can assume the function of a support layer or a shaping layer, which provides a certain stiffness and mechanical stability to the entire package.

[0129] It can be clearly seen from Figure 19c that the central film layer 56 is provided with a recess in the region above the above-described valve flap 78, which forms the mixing chamber 72. Subsequently, in order to complete the active ingredient applicator 10', as Figure 19d and 19e shown, two additional film layers 54 are applied, similar and symmetric to the film layers 54 shown in Figure 19a and 19b . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the active ingredient applicator 10' is designed as a five-layer film laminate and is suitable for mixing the active ingredient chambers 44 arranged on both sides of the central film layer 56 with the mixing chamber 72 in the central film layer 56.

[0130] Alternatively, in a manner considered to be independently creative, the nozzle body 22 can also be designed as a middleware 90 to replace the application nozzle 16, which is designed substantially the same as the above design. In this case, the medium enters the patient's oral cavity not through the application opening 32 arranged at the treatment end of the nozzle body 22, but through an independent application component 92, such as a hose pack, a treatment ventilation tube, etc. In such an embodiment, the actual delivery part 92 can be appropriately connected to the outlet area of the nozzle body 22, whereby the pressurized treatment medium generated at the mixing point 42 or particularly in the mixing chamber 72 can be guided to the intended delivery position in the patient's oral cavity through the corresponding pressure pipeline 94 provided in the delivery part 92. Therefore, appropriate other medium channels 34 can be provided in the delivery part 92 for guiding other media in the nozzle body 22, such as separate media, which only come into contact with each other at the delivery point in the patient's oral cavity.

[0131] As Figure 20g , Figure 20h can be clearly seen, the mixing chamber 72 is also created in one of the upper film layers 54 in this embodiment, and its volume is formed and defined in the outermost film layer 54 by appropriate shaping.

[0132] This middleware 90 considered to be independently creative is shown in FIG. 20 through a series of manufacturing steps. Any of the above components and elements can be similarly used in the design of the middleware 90. On the other hand, Figure 21 shows the middleware 90 connected to the corresponding medium pipelines on the input side and the output side.

[0133] On the input side, the middleware 90 can be connected to a suitable container for the provided corresponding active ingredient through a medium supply pipeline 96. Thus, for example, a conventional cartridge or an active ingredient container of the above type can be provided. However, in a manner considered to be independently creative, a dual syringe system 100 can also be provided to introduce the active ingredient, as shown in the perspective view ( Figure 22a ), longitudinal sectional view ( Figure 22b ) and partial sectional view ( Figure 22c ) of FIG. 22. In a conventional embodiment, the dual syringe system 100 includes two syringe bodies 102 connected in parallel functionally, each body forming an active ingredient chamber, and a syringe plunger 104 is guided in each body. The tip plungers 104 are respectively driven by drive plungers 106, which are coupled to each other in the example of the shown embodiment. During actuation, the actuation can be performed manually or automatically in the corresponding supply system. Therefore, the active ingredients accommodated in the syringe bodies 102 are simultaneously discharged through the corresponding connection nozzles 108 and supplied to the middleware 90 through the connected medium supply pipeline 96.

[0134] On the output side, the middleware 90 is connected to the above-mentioned output section 92. As shown in the example of FIG. 23, this can be designed as a hose pack 110. The hose pack 110 includes a plurality (two in the embodiment) of active ingredient hoses 112, each hose leading to an application opening 114 at its end. Thus, the corresponding active ingredients can be directly and accurately delivered to the desired application location through these hoses. In addition, the hose pack 110 further includes a pressure hose 116, which is connected to the mixing chamber 72 of the middleware 90 on the inlet side. Thus, once a pressurized gas as a reaction product is generated in the mixing chamber 72 by selectively mixing two starting materials according to one aspect of the present invention, the gas can be discharged through the pressure hose 116 and applied through its outlet opening 118.

[0135] As can be clearly seen from Figure 23b the enlarged view in, the outlet opening 118 of the generated pressurized gas is designed in a lateral outflow direction, so that, for example, during dental treatment, cleaning can be specifically carried out laterally.

[0136] According to one aspect of the present invention, the middleware 90 can thus be connected on the inlet side to a dual syringe 100, a cartridge syringe or any other suitable active ingredient chamber of the type shown. Depending on the design requirements and uses, it can have valves, especially in the form of the said valve flaps 70, 78, a mixing or reaction chamber 72 or a combination of the above types; thus, it is suitable for having a flushing outlet and / or a pressure outlet as required. On the input side, it can have an appropriate number of medium inputs, especially two or four inputs, depending on the individual design. The middleware 90 can be particularly located between the ampoule / ampoule system and the application component. It includes, for example, a pure combination of two medium channels (e.g.: aqueous carboxylic acid solution and aqueous bicarbonate solution). In this function, it acts as a simple Y-piece and includes at least one outlet. The required active function is a non-directional pressure release for flushing.

[0137] Alternatively, the middleware 90 can be used to combine media flowing directly or indirectly into the mixing or reaction chamber 72, whereby it includes at least one medium outlet. In this case, the required active function is a directional pressure release, preferably for cleaning contaminated surfaces and flushing.

[0138] Both of the above middleware functions can be designed with or without a check valve. In a particularly advantageous design of the middleware, the above active functions and designs are provided in combination.

[0139] In an embodiment according to the above design, the middleware 90 can also be supplied together with at least two ampoules, which are grouped together on the medium side of the middleware 90. However, in another embodiment, the active function can also be provided separately by at least two ampoules.

[0140] The middleware 90 can also be integrated with the ampoule part and / or the applicator part.

[0141] An alternative embodiment of the active ingredient applicator 10” is shown in Fig. 24, in its plan view ( Figure 24a ) and longitudinal sectional view ( Figure 24b ). Similar to the embodiment according to Figure 4 , it has a base body 46', in which two active ingredient chambers 44 are integrated. These are connected on the medium side to the application nozzle 16' via a section of tubing 18, which can be relatively long for the intended treatment method, and the application nozzle is arranged at the distal end 14 and formed by a nozzle body 22. At least two medium channels 34 provided for connecting the active ingredient chambers 44 to the application opening 32 on the application nozzle 16' on the medium side are integrated in the nozzle body 22 as described above and continue from here into the hose part 18 up to the active ingredient chambers 44. The active ingredient applicator 10” shown here can be designed as a single piece similar to the above example and thus can be used directly, or it can also be used as a filler for the active ingredient applicator 10 shown in Figure 2 . Alternatively, the active ingredient applicator 10” can also be designed as multiple pieces. For example, the hose part 18 can be connected by a suitable connection to a separately designed application nozzle 16' and / or a separately designed supply container 19.

[0142] According to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient chambers 44 in the above embodiments can be formed by molding in the respective film layers 52, 54, 56. Then, for example, the active ingredient can be filled by injecting the active ingredient between the pre-laminated film layers 52, 54, 56, and the film layers 52, 54, 56 can be further deformed in the process to form the actual active ingredient chambers 44. Subsequently, i.e., after the active ingredient is completely filled, the film layers 52, 54, 56 can be appropriately welded and / or sealed. Figure 25 shows in longitudinal section the bottom region of the corresponding active ingredient chamber 44 with a correspondingly suitable welded or sealed filling opening 122.

[0143] Figure 26 shows in an enlarged longitudinal section the application nozzle 16' of the active ingredient applicator 10” according to Fig. 24. In the connection region 124 for the hose package 18, its cross-section initially widens towards the distal end 14 until it merges into the actual nozzle body 22, and according to one aspect of the invention, it tapers again towards the distal end 14. The integrated medium channels 34 are completely guided through the section shown.

[0144] Figure 27shows a longitudinal section of a variant of the application nozzle 16", which includes a plurality of suction ducts 126 as further media channels in addition to the two media channels 34. Similar to the media channels 34, these suction ducts are guided both through the nozzle body 22 and through the hose element 18 connected thereto, and open in the laterally arranged suction openings 128 in the region of the treatment end 38. According to one aspect of the invention, as can be clearly seen from the illustration in Figure 27 and from the enlarged illustration in Figure 28 , the suction ducts 126 are designed to have a larger inner diameter than the media channels 34; likewise, the suction openings 126 are designed to be larger than the application openings 32. This takes into account the fact that in the intended treatment method, even the introduction of a relatively small amount of active ingredient leads to a relatively large suction requirement, which is the case not only for the reaction products formed, but also for debris, food residues and other cleaning products resulting from rinsing or cleaning, due to the expected reactions of the active ingredients with each other at the place of use. However, in a variant not shown, the suction device can also be arranged further away from the application opening 32 or the nozzle body 22. Advantageously, the suction device is designed as a bell made of soft material. In this case, after the application nozzle 16 has been inserted into the tooth pocket 8, the bell can close the tooth pocket 8 from the outside in order to be able to suck out the components sucked out of the tooth pocket 8 in a particularly effective manner.

[0145] According to another aspect, which is considered to be independently creative, the active ingredient chamber 44 is sealed or closed off from the outside by a sealing or closing element 130 with respect to the relevant media channel 32 or with respect to the corresponding media channel 34, thereby avoiding accidental leakage of the active ingredient. In Fig. 29, this closing element 130 is shown in longitudinal section ( Figure 29a ), plan view ( Figure 29b ) and side view ( Figure 29c ) for an example of the active ingredient applicator 10" according to Fig. 24; however, this embodiment is of course also applicable to other variants of the active ingredient applicators 10, 10'. In this case, a tear-off closing element 132 is formed on the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22, which appropriately closes the outlet-side end of the media channel 34 and possibly the suction ducts 126, i.e. in particular the application opening 32 or the suction opening 128. In particular, it can be seen from the enlarged view in Fig. 30 that the closing element 132 is molded onto the outlet region of the nozzle body 22 at a predetermined breaking point 134, which is appropriately weakened in the base material in the embodiment. The closing element 132 can be torn at this predetermined breaking point 134, whereby the application opening 32 and possibly the suction opening 128 are exposed and the media channel 34 or the suction ducts 126 can be accessed.

[0146] In particular, it can be seen that the media channel 34 is closed in the state in which the closing element is attached as shown in Figure 30a .Figure 30b A side view showing the predetermined breakthrough point 134 is presented, where it can be seen that the material thickness in the region of the predetermined breakthrough point 134 is greatly reduced in the form of a notch 136. The closed medium channel 34 extends beyond the predetermined breakthrough point 134. If the closing element 132 is now separated from the active ingredient applicator 10''' shown in FIG. 24 by pulling or tearing, two application openings 32 are formed at the medium channel 34 of the application nozzle 16. The advantage lies particularly in that the previously sterile application nozzle 16''' can remain sterile after the medium channel 34 is opened.

[0147] The previous examples relate to active ingredient applicators with a substantially straight application nozzle 16. However, for ease of operation, it can also be designed to be lateral, inclined, or curved. This is shown in FIG. 31 by way of example with the active ingredient applicator 10''.

[0148] According to an aspect considered to have independent inventiveness, bicarbonate is provided as the active ingredient in the active ingredient chamber 44 connected to the application opening 32 via the medium channel 34, and in principle, it can also be provided in the case of only one active ingredient chamber 44. The active ingredient applicator 140 constructed in this way, with bicarbonate provided in its active ingredient chamber 44, is shown in FIG. 32 in a partial view ( Figure 32a ) and a perspective view ( Figure 32b ), where the application nozzle is aligned in a straight line, and in FIG. 32 in a partial view ( Figure 32a ) and a perspective view ( Figure 32b ). FIG. 33 is shown in a partial view ( Figure 33a ) and a perspective view ( Figure 33b ), where the application nozzle is aligned in a curved manner in the lateral direction.

[0149] List of reference symbols

[0150] 1 Tooth

[0151] 2 Jawbone

[0152] 4 Tooth neck

[0153] 6 Periodontal pocket

[0154] 8 Soft tissue

[0155] 10, 10', 10'' Active ingredient applicator

[0156] 11 Hose valve

[0157] 12 Handle

[0158] 14 End

[0159] 15 Fastener

[0160] 16, 16' Application nozzle

[0161] 17 Protective cover

[0162] 18 Hose section

[0163] 19 Supply container

[0164] 20 Control unit

[0165] 21 Power supply unit

[0166] 22 Nozzle body

[0167] 23 Mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic system

[0168] 30 Access socket

[0169] 32 Application opening

[0170] 34 Medium channel

[0171] 36 Connection side

[0172] 38 Treatment end

[0173] 40 Outflow area

[0174] 42 Mixing point

[0175] 44 Active ingredient chamber

[0176] 46, 46' Substrate

[0177] 48 Locking element

[0178] 50 Foil

[0179] 52, 54, 56 Film layer

[0180] 58 Groove

[0181] 60 Recess

[0182] 62 Recess

[0183] 64 Intersection point

[0184] 70 Flap

[0185] 72 Mixing chamber

[0186] 74 Spring element

[0187] 76 Transition zone

[0188] 78 Flap

[0189] 80 Breakthrough line

[0190] 90 Middleware

[0191] 92 Application component

[0192] 94 Pressure pipeline

[0193] 96 Medium supply pipeline

[0194] 100 Dual syringe system

[0195] 102 Syringe barrel

[0196] 104 Syringe plunger

[0197] 106 Driving plunger

[0198] 108 Connector

[0199] 110 Hose package

[0200] 112 Active ingredient tube

[0201] 114 Application opening

[0202] 116 Pressure hose

[0203] 118 Outlet opening

[0204] 120 Bottom area

[0205] 122 Filling opening

[0206] 124 Connection area

[0207] 126 Suction pipe

[0208] 128 Suction opening

[0209] 130 End element

[0210] 132 Locking element

[0211] 134 Predetermined breaking point

[0212] 136 Notch

[0213] 140 Active ingredient applicator

[0214] d Film thickness

[0215] D Total thickness

Claims

1. An application nozzle (16, 16') for applying a dental active substance in a patient's oral cavity, having a nozzle body (22) which extends in a longitudinal direction from a connection region (36) to a free treatment end (38), wherein, at least two medium channels (34) are integrated which extend independently of one another from the connection region (36) to the free treatment end.

2. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, each of the medium channels (34) opens out on the outlet side into an application opening (32).

3. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the application openings (32) assigned to the two medium channels (34) are spaced from one another by at least 0.01 mm and at most 10 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm.

4. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the application openings (32) are arranged in an outflow region (40) of the nozzle body, the outflow region (40) being in the region of the treatment end (38).

5. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the at least two medium channels (34) extend independently of one another from the connection region (36) to a mixing point (42) which connects them on the medium side, the mixing point (42) being connected on the outlet side by a further medium channel (34) to an application opening (32) arranged in the outflow region (40), the outflow region (40) being in the region of the treatment end (38).

6. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 5, wherein, the mixing point (42) is designed as a mixing chamber (72), and the medium channels (34) extend towards the mixing chamber (72) and open into the mixing chamber (72).

7. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 6, wherein, the volume of the mixing chamber (42) is at most 1000 cubic millimeters, preferably at most 500 cubic millimeters, particularly preferably at most 100 cubic millimeters.

8. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in addition to the medium channels (34), a pressure channel is provided which is also integrated in the nozzle body (22) and is connected to the mixing point (42).

9. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the nozzle body (22) extends flat and its cross-section tapers in the direction of the free treatment end (38).

10. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the nozzle body (22) is formed as a laminate consisting of a plurality of films (50).

11. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 10, wherein, The media channels (34) in the film layers (52, 54, 56) of the laminate are formed by grooves introduced in the respective layer films (50).

12. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, the media channel (34) is provided with an integrated gasket.

13. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, the nozzle body (22) is composed of at least three foil layers (52, 54, 56), wherein the central foil layer (56) arranged between two adjacent foil layers (52, 54) is formed of a foil material harder than the two adjacent foil layers (52, 54).

14. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, the nozzle body (22) is composed of at least three foil layers (52, 54, 56), and an optical waveguide is integrated in each foil layer.

15. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in addition to the media channel (34), is provided with a suction channel, and the suction channel is also integrated in the nozzle body (22).

16. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, the nozzle body (22) has a triangular-shaped contour in a plan view.

17. The application nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is designed as a disposable product.

18. An active substance applicator (10, 10', 10”) for applying a dental active substance in a patient's oral cavity, having an application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, in each case, the media channel (34) is connected to a separately associated active substance chamber (44) on the media side.

19. The active substance applicator (10, 10', 10”) according to claim 18, wherein, the active substance chamber (44) is integrated into a common base body (46, 46') including the nozzle body (22).

20. The active ingredient applicator (10, 10', 10”) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, each active ingredient chamber (44) has an internal volume suitable for the patient dose to be administered.

21. The active ingredient applicator (10, 10', 10”) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, one of the active ingredient chambers (44) is filled with bicarbonate.

22. The active ingredient applicator (10, 10', 10”) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, preferably the active ingredient applicator according to claim 21, wherein, one of the active ingredient chambers (44) is filled with an acid, in particular malic acid, citric acid or lactic acid.

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